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Wright's
field rally spells it out in large letters
By Christy Scott
The Alpine Sun
ALPINE — More than 400 Alpine area residents gathered at the edge of Wright’s Field last Thursday, June 2, to show their support for preserving the field. Participants filled lines on the ground to spell out “SAVE ME.”
Local photographer Andy King captured the words from the air, flying in a small Cessna airplane above the field.
“We’re here to show the land owner that we mean business,” said Susan Lancaster, “and that Alpine wants Wright’s Field to go to the [Back Country Land Trust].”
Participants wore “I love Wright’s Field” T-shirts and buttons and waved bright green and white fabric. Each person had his or her own reason for taking part in the rally.
“There’s so little land like this left in San Diego county,” said resident Dawn Paul. “Just take a walkthrough it once and you’ll see the significance.”
Other residents talked about how the field is important to them, spending many hours and weekends hiking and exploring the field.
“We spend a lot of time in the field, we like to go hiking,” said Warner Recabaren with daughter Kyra riding in a baby backpack..
“We’ve dedicated our lives to protecting the environment,” said Ralph and Wendy Fenner of Puetz Valley, “we start in our valley and reach out to our community. We need to keep this kind of beautiful open space in Alpine.”
The BCLT currently owns 230 acres at Wright's Field, behind Joan Mac Queen Middle School. The group has been trying to raise money through grants and donations to buy the additional property.
Recently BCLT announced that the trust has exercised its exclusive option to buy the land.
"We are moving forward with the purchase of the remaining 142 acres over the next few months," said Jim Brozo, a member of the land trust's board.
Under the terms of a new agreement, the land trust paid a $50,000 deposit to the owner of the property, the Apollo Group, to make its bid. The Apollo Group now has until June 10 to accept or reject the offer. A decision on the sale must be reached within four months according to the terms of the agreement, Collins said.
The Apollo Group recently filed documents with the county proposing 41 houses on the property sought by BCLT.
The plans could proceed if the sale to the conservation group falls through.
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Christy Scott
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